Fashion trends move at breakneck speed; especially shoe and accessory looks. The right bag, shoe, or jewelry statement can make or break an outfit so keep up with what’s stylish; what’s in, and what’s out. If you don’t you could end up wearing tacky or outdated accessories which can ruin your entire outfit and make you look older and less attractive.
1. Animal Print
The art of wearing animal print is to keep it subtle. Never wear it head-to-toe, steer clear of gaudy dresses, and stick to a shoe or bag (but never worn together). The best way to pull off leopard, zebra, or pony print is courtesy of a chic loafer or ballet flat.
2. Neck Chokers
Neck chokers come in and out of fashion, but mostly they are out of sync with current trends. They can also look seriously tacky and dated especially anything too thick, embellished, bejeweled, or velvet chokers.
3. Fanny Packs
The convenience of a fanny pack is undeniable, however, wearing one across the chest or low on the hips disrupts the natural lines of an outfit and can draw attention to areas you were hoping to disguise. Beyond that, they are not chic and can make you look like a tourist.
3. Oversized Hoop Earrings
We love a statement earring and a hoop but super large diamante, embellished, or colorful ones appear outdated and take you into tacky territory. Go for a finer more subtle classic hoop in real gold instead.
4. Overloading Jewelry
Piling on the jewelry just for the sake of it can look a little tacky and try hard. There’s an art to layering jewelry and honestly less is more. Also, invest in real gold pieces, as costume jewelry can tarnish fast and even turn your skin green. Layering a few gold necklaces is where fashion is at right now.
6. Embellished Belts
The right belt can streamline your waist and pull your whole look together. Stick to classic leather belts in shades of black, brown, or white (on trend for summer) in chic slimline widths. Steer clear of large belts and anything overly embellished with gaudy buckles or excessive adornments like rhinestones, studs, or chains as they look ostentatious and tacky and take attention away from the overall outfit.
7. Jelly Sandals
Jelly sandals are childlike, unflattering and let’s face it; kinda ugly. As a trend, they are definitely out and frankly, we hope (like their fellow plastic cousin the Croc) that they never come back. Go for a classic Birkenstock sandal or slide instead.
8. Granny Purses
Carrying around vintage-style granny purses is out. Common offenders that will date your outfit fast include chain mail, pearly, tapestry, or very retro-looking bags, wallets, and purses.
9. Massive Chunky Scarves
A chic scarf in a classic shade or a cute print can add a touch of color and interest to your outfit. Heavy, chunky knit scarfs however add bulk to and completely overwhelm your outfit. If your scarf has become the entire focus of your look, you are definitely doing it wrong. Wearing a pashmina as a top or fashion statement is also dated.
10. Striped Socks
The statement sock trend, especially worn with heels and sandals has become tired, and striped colorful socks are definitely a no-no. They look too young, too casual, a little silly, and detract from your look.
11. Logo Overload
Never wear logo outfits and accessories head to toe as a fashion statement as you will come across as a fashion victim. We’re all in praise of investing in a forever designer bag or shoe that will last through the seasons but don’t wear them together. Go for either a statement bag or a shoe that can elevate your outfit.
12. Platform Heels
Uncomfortable and impractical, high-platform shoes can also take you into stripper territory. They will also overwhelm your outfit and add bulk. Avoid, also tacky platform flip-flops and those ugly platform sneakers. “A mid-stacked heel or low-platform wedge is more stylish, sophisticated, and flattering,” says personal stylist duo Beckie + Martina.
13. Colored Sunglasses
Impractical sunglasses especially if they have a fadish, tacky colored lens look ridiculous. Swap them out for frames in a more classic style and shade of black or tortoiseshell and they will be stylish forever.
14. Trucker Hats
A trucker cap can look cool but beware of wearing it as a fashion statement. Anything plastered with logos or bold designs can look too young, or too casual and the boxy fit doesn’t suit all face shapes.